Alström Syndrome is a very rare recessively inherited condition which affects the metabolism of many major organs, particularly the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver.

Because the condition unfolds gradually from birth and the different manifestations vary from individual to individual, correct diagnosis is often delayed leading to suboptimal treatment and a failure to anticipate future developments. There are presently just over 700 cases known world wide and approximately 50 in the UK although the history of poor diagnosis referred to above almost certainly hides many more.

Alström Syndrome is characterised principally by a number of key conditions:

Additional features can include:

Cardiomyopathy (poor cardiac function where the heart muscle is weakened and enlarged

Type 2 diabetes

Renal and hepatic dysfunction (affecting the kidneys and liver)

Hypertriglyceridaemia and tryglycerides (elevation of fatty substances found in the bloodstream)

How is Alström Syndrome diagnosed?

Dilated cardiomyopathy is often detected in young babies and often leads to premature death. Kidney failure may also occur. During childhood, patients suffer deteriorating eyesight which may include nystagmus and photophobia which often leads to blindness. Hearing loss and Type 2 diabetes is also common.